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5 Boozy Trails in the South’s Best Cities

It’s no secret that the South is known for beautiful scenery, great hospitality, and of course, food. All the best traits of the South are combined in wine and ale trails across the region, filled with plenty of food, fun, and booze for an unforgettable time in some of the South’s most progressive cities. Bring Fido and the kids for a weekend filled with family fun, or make it a relaxing girl’s weekend escape. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these booze trails are perfect for novices and aficionados alike.

Cruise along the Bay and stop at some of the state’s most thriving wineries on the Chesapeake Wine Trail. Just east of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s Eastern shore is filled with beaches, wildlife, and wine. Tour the Cascia Vineyards, a waterfront winery on Kent Island, or bring Fido along to tour the dog-friendly Little Ashby Vineyards. There are a host of other wineries located along the most scenic part of the state best known for its warm days and cool nights.

Tour one – or all – of Monticello’s five mini-wine trails in Charlottesville, Virginia. Known as the birthplace of American wine, Thomas Jefferson’s vision of an American winery still lives in over 30 wineries all within 25 miles of Charlottesville. Enjoy the greenery along the Northern trail at Delfosse Vineyards and Winery, then head to the Glass House Winery and enjoy their specialty wines, including a chocolate wine along with an assortment of homemade chocolates. No matter which path you choose to take on this trail, you will be in for sweet surprise filled with history and beauty.

As one of the newest Ale Trails in Texas, the Forth Worth Ale Trail offers a vibrant look into the city through locally made craft beers made around the city. With nine breweries already on the trail and counting, travelers can enjoy anything from a beer made in-house at the Chimera Brewing Company, or a pale ale from Rahr & Sons which produces over 20,000 barrels annually. Pick up a map and a passport, and enjoy this adventure of craft breweries.

Kentucky is known for more than just its bourbon. Craft breweries have been popping up all over the state, and Lexington’s Brewgrass Trail gives a tour of some of the best breweries they have to offer. Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company will give any visitor the fix they’ve been looking for with a Kentucky Ale and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, just to name a few. Blue Stallion Brewing is said to craft European-style lagers and ales, while also offering in-house, local, and out-of-town beers. The Brewgrass Trail passports are available at the Visitors Center located in downtown Lexington or at any local brewery.

The Asheville Ale Trail is home to over two-dozen breweries, bars, tap rooms, and bottle shops in the Asheville area. The kid-friendly Asheville Brewing Co. has won best pizza and best local dark beer awards, making it a self-proclaimed “required stop” along the Asheville Trail. The Thirsty Monk located downtown features a constantly rotating tap line of American Craft Beers, and is recognized by both the locals and the national media as one of the best beer bars in the world. Also make sure to grab a handful (or three) of ‘Monk Nuts’, known to be highly addictive. Both walking and biking tours are available around the city, and there’s something for everyone to do each and every week.